Scotland international back-row Ben Muncaster will return to the capital starting XV for tomorrow night’s BKT URC match against Hollywoodbets Sharks at Hive Stadium (18 April, kick-off 7.35pm) – live on Premier Sports.
The versatile back-row featured from the bench in last week’s European Quarter-Final win against Vodacom Bulls and will start at openside flanker for his side’s return to league action, with Hamish Watson rested.
Muncaster is one of five changes made by Head Coach Sean Everitt.
Props Pierre Schoeman and D’arcy Rae start in place of Boan Venter and Javan Sebastian (concussion), while Scotland internationals Ali Price and Harry Paterson featuring in the backs, with Ben Vellacott (foot) injured and Darcy Graham rested.
Everitt said: “Tomorrow night is another exciting opportunity for this team, in part three of the ‘Biltong series’! [The third South African opponent in as many weeks]. The Lions and Bulls were stern tests and we know tomorrow night will be no different.
“We know they will have 12 springboks in their starting line up and a few on the bench, so we know the challenge they will bring. We will have to will front up as we have in the previous two successful weeks.”
Paterson starts in the back-three alongside the returning Ross McCann and fullback Wes Goosen.
In the midfield, inside-centre James Lang partners Matt Currie for the fourth game in a row, while Price joins stand-off Ross Thompson in the halves.
Schoeman and Rae come into the front row at loosehead and tighthead respectively, alongside Ewan Ashman at hooker, with Sam Skinner and captain Grant Gilchrist once again named at lock.
Openside Muncaster joins a back-row of Jamie Ritchie (blindside) and Magnus Bradbury (number eight), the latter of whom picked up the Player of the Match award last time out.
Edinburgh Rugby team to face Hollywoodbets Sharks at Hive Stadium in the BKT United Rugby Championship – Friday 18 April (kick-off 7.35pm) – live on Premier Sports.
15. Wes Goosen (51)
14. Harry Paterson (12)
13. Matt Currie (58)
12. James Lang (70)
11. Ross McCann (12)
10. Ross Thompson (20)
9. Ali Price (35)
1. Pierre Schoeman (129)
2. Ewan Ashman (33)
3. D’arcy Rae (21)
4. Sam Skinner (38)
5. Grant Gilchrist (217) CAPTAIN
6. Jamie Ritchie (127)
7. Ben Muncaster (42)
8. Magnus Bradbury (128)
Replacements
16. Dave Cherry (104)
17. Boan Venter (86)
18. Angus Williams (27)
19. Glen Young (46)
20. Freddy Douglas (5)
21. Charlie Shiel (69)
22. Cammy Scott (17)
23. Mosese Tuipulotu (17)
Unavailable: Mark Bennett (quad), Emiliano Boffellli (hamstring), Connor Boyle (knee), Robert Carmichael (wrist), Luke Crosbie (pec), Tom Dodd (shoulder), Darcy Graham (rest), Jamie Hodgson (tricep), Paul Hill (back), Javan Sebastian (concussion), Matt Scott (neck), Marshall Sykes (foot), Duhan van der Merwe (ankle), Ben Vellacott (foot), Hamish Watson (rest), Lewis Wells (ankle).
Goldtouch
Japan was the first Asian nation to reach the knockout stages of the Rugby World Cup – In 2019, Japan hosted the Rugby World Cup. Not only were they the first Asian nation to host they Rugby World Cup, they also shocked the world by beating Scotland to reach the knockout stages for the first time in history. Though they were eventually stopped by South Africa in the quarter-finals, they stole our hearts with the way they played. They also showed that taking rugby to new nations is the way forward to grow the game’s popularity.
Lady In Red
The Rugby World Cup has showcased some of the most memorable moments in rugby history. One such moment occurred during the 1995 tournament in South Africa when Jonah Lomu, a powerful New Zealand winger, steamrolled over England’s Mike Catt on his way to scoring a try. Lomu’s performance in that match remains an iconic moment in the sport.